Mexico City prosecutors are downplaying the case of a suspected serial killer who kept women’s bones and a saw in his room, revealing that only six women’s remains were found, not the previously rumored 20. The city’s head prosecutor, Ulises Lara, emphasized that only three of the alleged crimes occurred during the current administration, with the others dating back to 2012, 2015, and 2018. The killer, identified only as Miguel, did not show signs of violent behavior in his daily life, making him difficult to apprehend.
Investigators found blood stains, bones, cellphones, missing women’s ID cards, and other biological material in the suspect’s room. While five of the IDs belonged to women who were located alive, it is unclear how many belonged to missing or deceased women. A series of notebooks containing potentially incriminating evidence were also discovered, detailing the acts carried out against victims. Despite criticisms of the authorities’ handling of missing women’s cases, Lara stated that the number of reported women’s killings has decreased in Mexico City.
The suspect was caught after attempting to kill his seventh victim in a neighbor’s apartment, leaving a surviving witness behind. He sexually abused and strangled a 17-year-old girl, who did not survive, and slashed her mother in the neck before fleeing. The quick identification and arrest of the suspect led to charges of murder and attempted murder in connection with the most recent victims. Prosecutors have reached out to families of missing women who may be linked to the case.
Questions have arisen regarding the delayed investigation into the disappearances of missing women, with some families wondering why action was taken only after evidence was found at the suspect’s apartment. Previous cases of serial killers in Mexico City have only been resolved after a significant number of victims were discovered, highlighting the lack of resources and expertise within law enforcement. The history of serial killers going undetected until a critical mass of victims is reached has been a recurring issue in the city.
In 2021, a serial killer in a Mexico City suburb was caught only after murdering the wife of a police commander, while in 2018, another serial killer was apprehended while pushing a dismembered body down the street in a baby carriage. These cases demonstrate the systemic failures in the investigation and prevention of serial crimes in the city. The recent arrest of the suspected serial killer highlights the ongoing challenges faced by law enforcement in addressing and solving these heinous crimes, sparking renewed calls for improved resources and training for prosecutors.
